THE Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced a new anti-defection rule that directly affects its top figures, including its presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Under the new arrangement, the party said all candidates who contest elections on its platform must sign legal documents agreeing to vacate their seats if they defect from the party after winning elections.

The policy was announced at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja during a signing ceremony held on Tuesday.

Party leaders said the step is meant to stop politicians from using a party’s platform to win elections and later switching to another party while still holding office.

NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas said the party decided on the rule after several past cases where elected officials dumped the parties that sponsored them shortly after winning elections.

He said this behaviour weakens political parties and creates instability.

He also said the rule is necessary to protect the mandate given to the party by voters, adding that anyone who wants to contest under the NDC must agree to its conditions before receiving a ticket.

According to him, candidates will be required to sign affidavit and indemnity forms that clearly state they must vacate their seat if they defect after being elected.

The party’s legal adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, supported the move, saying political parties operate with internal rules that members must accept.

He said elected candidates represent the party that sponsored them and not just personal interests.

The rule comes at a time when Obi and Kwankwaso, both key figures in the party, were absent from the signing event despite their central roles in the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.